Methodology

A Methodology is a systematic framework that outlines the principles and procedures for conducting research, designing systems, or solving problems within a specific field.

• AKA: Research Methodology, Systematic Approach, Methodological Framework.
• Context:
  • It can typically provide Structured Guidance for researchers, designers, and practitioners to ensure consistency and rigor in their work.
  • It can typically establish Procedural Standards through systematic principles and organized workflows.
  • It can typically facilitate Knowledge Validation through evidence-based criterions and verification processes.
  • It can typically support Interdisciplinary Communication between professionals from different backgrounds.
  • It can typically enable Outcome Evaluation based on reliability measures, validity metrics, and efficiency indicators.
  • ...
  • It can often incorporate Philosophical Foundations regarding the nature of knowledge, evidence, and research validity.
  • It can often combine Quantitative Approaches with qualitative approaches in mixed-methods research.
  • It can often distinguish itself from Method by representing the overarching strategy while methods represent specific techniques.
  • It can often evolve through Disciplinary Development as fields mature and research paradigms shift.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Simple Methodology to being a Complex Methodology, depending on its procedural sophistication.
  • It can range from being a Domain-Specific Methodology to being a Universal Methodology, depending on its application scope.
  • It can range from being a Rigid Methodology to being a Flexible Methodology, depending on its adaptability level.
  • ...
  • It can integrate Research Methods with analytical tools for comprehensive investigation.
  • It can incorporate Data Collection Techniques with analysis procedures for systematic inquiry.
  • It can combine Theoretical Frameworks with practical applications for holistic approaches.
  • It can align Research Goals with methodological choices for coherent execution.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Scientific Methodologies, such as:
    • Natural Science Methodologies, such as:
      • Scientific Method for hypothesis testing through controlled experiments.
      • Experimental Methodology for variable manipulation in laboratory settings.
    • Social Science Methodologies, such as:
      • Grounded Theory for theory generation through systematic data analysis.
      • Ethnographic Methodology for cultural understanding through participant observation.
  • Design Methodologies, such as:
    • Engineering Design Methodologies, such as:
      • Design Thinking for user-centered solutions through iterative prototyping.
      • Systems Engineering Methodology for complex system development through structured processes.
    • Software Development Methodologies, such as:
      • Agile Methodology for iterative development through collaborative sprints.
      • Waterfall Methodology for sequential development through phase-based execution.
  • Research Methodologies, such as:
    • Quantitative Research Methodologies, such as:
      • Survey Methodology for statistical analysis through structured questionnaires.
      • Experimental Research Methodology for causal relationships through controlled variables.
    • Qualitative Research Methodologies, such as:
      • Case Study Methodology for in-depth analysis through contextual investigation.
      • Phenomenological Methodology for lived experiences through interpretive analysis.
  • Teaching Methodologies, such as:
    • Active Learning Methodology for student engagement through participatory activities.
    • Project-Based Learning Methodology for practical application through hands-on projects.
  • Business Methodologies, such as:
    • Project Management Methodology for project execution through structured phases.
    • Value Methodology for value optimization through function analysis.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Method, which represents specific techniques or procedures rather than overarching frameworks.
  • Tool, which provides technical capabilities without systematic frameworks.
  • Technique, which offers procedural steps without philosophical foundations or theoretical rationale.
  • Algorithm, which provides computational procedures without research frameworks or validation criteria.
  • Best Practice, which represents proven approaches without systematic structures or theoretical grounding.
• See: Method, Framework, Research, System Development Methodology, Teaching Method, Project Management Methodology, Value Methodology, Analytical Framework, Research Protocol, Systematic Method, Structured Approach, Analysis Method, Software Development Approach, Engineered System Development Methodology, Education Methodology.

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References

2024

• (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodology Retrieved:2024-3-1.
  • In its most common sense, methodology is the study of research methods. However, the term can also refer to the methods themselves or to the philosophical discussion of associated background assumptions. A method is a structured procedure for bringing about a certain goal, like acquiring knowledge or verifying knowledge claims. This normally involves various steps, like choosing a sample, collecting data from this sample, and interpreting the data. The study of methods concerns a detailed description and analysis of these processes. It includes evaluative aspects by comparing different methods. This way, it is assessed what advantages and disadvantages they have and for what research goals they may be used. These descriptions and evaluations depend on philosophical background assumptions. Examples are how to conceptualize the studied phenomena and what constitutes evidence for or against them. When understood in the widest sense, methodology also includes the discussion of these more abstract issues.

    Methodologies are traditionally divided into quantitative and qualitative research. Quantitative research is the main methodology of the natural sciences. It uses precise numerical measurements. Its goal is usually to find universal laws used to make predictions about future events. The dominant methodology in the natural sciences is called the scientific method. It includes steps like observation and the formulation of a hypothesis. Further steps are to test the hypothesis using an experiment, to compare the measurements to the expected results, and to publish the findings.

    Qualitative research is more characteristic of the social sciences and gives less prominence to exact numerical measurements. It aims more at an in-depth understanding of the meaning of the studied phenomena and less at universal and predictive laws. Common methods found in the social sciences are surveys, interviews, focus groups, and the nominal group technique. They differ from each other concerning their sample size, the types of questions asked, and the general setting. In recent decades, many social scientists have started using mixed-methods research, which combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

    Many discussions in methodology concern the question of whether the quantitative approach is superior, especially whether it is adequate when applied to the social domain. A few theorists reject methodology as a discipline in general. For example, some argue that it is useless since methods should be used rather than studied. Others hold that it is harmful because it restricts the freedom and creativity of researchers. Methodologists often respond to these objections by claiming that a good methodology helps researchers arrive at reliable theories in an efficient way. The choice of method often matters since the same factual material can lead to different conclusions depending on one's method. Interest in methodology has risen in the 20th century due to the increased importance of interdisciplinary work and the obstacles hindering efficient cooperation.

2015

• (Wikipedia, 2015) ⇒ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/methodology Retrieved:2015-7-7.
  • Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. Typically, it encompasses concepts such as paradigm, theoretical model, phases and quantitative or qualitative techniques. <...

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